IONIA COUNTY, MI – A sign at Bertha Brock Park along M-21 lists a host of rules many may expect in a public area where children gather—speed guidelines, warnings not to litter.

Many see those and move on without reading the rest.

It’s for that reason park leaders think one rule—one they say is unlawful according to state guidelines—went unnoticed for years.

Rule No. 4: “No firearms allowed except in designated area.”

The rule was likely implemented in good faith years ago, taking into consideration a fishing and hunting club located near the back of the 186-acre park. Government leaders wanted to ensure the safety of children and families in the area, said Bertha Brock Park Manager Loren Gage.

But in an era of Carry Concealed Weapons permits, that rule no longer coincides with state law.

“A local government entity cannot say you can’t bring a gun into the park,” Gage said.

He brought the concern before Ionia County Commissioners this week after receiving a note from a gun rights activist group in early July.

“I had no idea at the time,” Gage said, speaking of the rule’s apparent discrepancy with state law.

Ionia County Commissioner Larry Tiejema, R-Saranac, said the commission is in support of changing the posted rule, but wants to first make sure any correction to wording affords the proper rights to gunholders while still considering park visitors’ safety.

Gage plans to further discuss the wording with Ionia Prosecutor Ron Schafer before making changes to the sign and further updating the county’s website—possibly as early as next week.

“I’m glad somebody did say something so we know we are obeying the state law properly,” Gage said.

The park, located two miles west of the city of Ionia, along M-21, has a campground, cabins, hiking trails and play areas for children.

Government leaders at one time likely thought the park could be classified as an “entertainment facility” and therefore, a valid place to ban firearms, Gage said.

But that isn’t the case, he said.

The misperception isn’t uncommon, said Phillip Hofmeister, president of Michigan Open Carry, Inc.

“We find this all around the state, as far as public parks, public buildings. It’s a pretty significant problem.”

Though a recent movie theater shooting in Colorado has drawn national attention to gun violence, Hofmeister cited reports of gun sales increasing in days since.

“People need to be able to protect themselves,” Hofmeister said. “There’s more of a need, more of an awareness.”

Gage says he anticipates changing the Bertha Brock Park rule to target the use of firearms rather than outlawing firearms themselves.

He’s looking at a new draft that would prohibit discharging a gun except in designated target ranges or at specific times.

The goal is to recognize the need for self-defense, said Tiejema, the commissioner.

“We don’t want people out here target shooting basically in public,” Gage said. “We try to do our best to protect and help everybody as much as possible.”